How Many Coral Belts Are There in BJJ
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Coral belts represent the pinnacle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mastery and are extraordinarily rare.
There are fewer than 100 living coral belts worldwide, making them less than 0.01% of all practitioners. These 7th and 8th-degree black belts have typically spent 35+ years on the mats, shaping the art through instruction and innovation. Their rarity stems from strict IBJJF time-in-rank requirements and the natural attrition of age.
This guide breaks down the two types of coral belts, notable holders, and why they matter to every practitioner.
Table of Contents
What Are Coral Belts? (7th & 8th Degree Black)
Coral belts mark the transition from black belt to legendary status in BJJ.
- Red/Black Coral Belt (7th Degree): Requires 7 years as a 6th-degree black belt, plus decades of teaching. Named for its coral snake-like appearance.
- Red/White Coral Belt (8th Degree): Requires 10 additional years as a 7th-degree holder. Even rarer than red/black.
- Total Time: Minimum 37 years as a black belt before reaching 8th degree (source: Wikipedia BJJ Ranking System).
For context, read our BJJ Black Belt Guide.
How Many Exist? The Exact Numbers
No official global registry tracks coral belts, but estimates come from federation records and lineage research.
- Red/Black (7th Degree): Approximately 60-80 worldwide. Most are Gracie family members or direct lineage holders.
- Red/White (8th Degree): 10-20 worldwide. These are living legends, often 70+ years old.
- Total Living Coral Belts: 70-100 maximum (source: GB Studio City BJJ Belt Guide).
Notable Coral Belt Holders
These masters have shaped BJJ as we know it:
- Red/Black (7th Degree):
- Carlos Gracie Sr. (posthumous recognition)
- Helio Gracie (posthumous)
- Francisco Mansor – Kioto Jiu-Jitsu founder
- Osvaldo Alves – Renzo Gracie lineage
- Red/White (8th Degree):
- Luiz França (deceased)
- George Mehdi – IBJJF coral belt pioneer
Study their lineage in our Gracie Family Tree guide.
Why Coral Belts Matter to You
Coral belts aren’t just rank symbols—they’re quality control for the art.
- Teaching Authority: Only coral belts (or higher) can promote 6th-degree black belts.
- Innovation: They preserve fundamentals while endorsing new techniques.
- Motivation: Your instructor’s coral-belt lineage traces back to these masters.
The Path Beyond Black Belt
After 6th degree, the timeline accelerates dramatically:
Black Belt → 1st-6th Degree (3-5 years each) → Coral Belt (7+ years)
→ Red Belt (9th/10th Degree, 67+ years total)
Learn more about the Complete BJJ Belt System.
Conclusion
Coral belts are BJJ’s living history—fewer than 100 remain active worldwide.
Their scarcity reflects the art’s rigor: decades of sacrifice, teaching, and evolution. Whether you’re a white belt or black belt, understanding coral belts connects you to BJJ’s deepest roots.
